GENERAL
CHEMISTRY 2
PRESENTED BY
TRAPANE, REYSHAN FAITH
URZABIA, VHINZENT
STEM_GC11IMFIIIa-c-103
Explain the properties of
water based on its
molecular structure and
intermolecular
forces
discuss the
identify properties of
the water in relation
properties to molecular
structure and
of water; intermolecular
and forces.
CONTENT
Water is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid at
room temperature. It is essential for all known forms of
life and is composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to
one oxygen atom, giving it the chemical formula H₂O.
Water is a universal solvent, meaning many substances
dissolve in it, and it has unique properties such as high
specific heat, surface tension, and the ability to exist in
all three states—solid, liquid, and gas—under normal
Earth conditions.
CONTENT
The molecular structure of water (H₂O) is defined by its two hydrogen atoms
covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. Oxygen, being more electronegative,
attracts the shared electrons more strongly, creating a polar molecule with a partial
negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen
atoms. This polarity gives water a bent or V-shaped geometry, with a bond angle of
approximately 104.5°. The oxygen atom also has two lone pairs of electrons, which
contribute to the molecule's shape and properties. Water molecules interact with
each other through hydrogen bonding, where the positively charged hydrogen
atoms of one molecule are attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atoms of
another. This unique molecular structure is the foundation for water's exceptional
properties, such as its high boiling and melting points, surface tension, and ability to
act as a universal solvent.
CONTENT
Surface tension is the property of water that allows its surface to
behave like a stretched elastic sheet. This occurs due to
cohesive forces between water molecules, particularly hydrogen
bonding. Molecules at the surface experience an inward pull,
resulting in minimized surface area. Surface tension is
responsible for phenomena like the formation of water droplets
and the ability of insects like water striders to walk on water. It is
essential for various natural and biological processes, such as
maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and facilitating water
transport in plants.
CONTENT
Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces
without the assistance of external forces like gravity. This
property arises from the combination of cohesion (water
molecules sticking to each other) and adhesion (water
molecules sticking to other surfaces). It plays a crucial role in
nature, such as in the movement of water through soil or in the
xylem of plants, where it helps transport water and nutrients from
roots to leaves.
CONTENT
Viscosity refers to the resistance of a liquid to flow. Water has
relatively low viscosity due to its small molecular size and
hydrogen bonding. This low viscosity allows water to flow easily
through pipes, blood vessels, and capillaries, making it an
efficient medium for transportation in both natural ecosystems
and biological systems. The low viscosity of water also facilitates
processes like mixing and diffusion.
CONTENT
Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by water vapor when
it is in equilibrium with its liquid state. At any given
temperature, some water molecules escape the surface as
vapor. Water has a relatively low vapor pressure due to the
strength of hydrogen bonds, which require significant energy
to break. This property helps maintain liquid water under a
wide range of temperatures and contributes to processes like
evaporation and condensation in the water cycle.
CONTENT
The molar heat of vaporization is the amount of energy required
to convert one mole of liquid water into vapor at a constant
temperature and pressure. For water, this value is high
(approximately 40.79 kJ/mol) due to the strong hydrogen bonds
between water molecules. This property is essential for
processes like evaporative cooling, where heat is absorbed from
a surface during evaporation, helping regulate temperature in
living organisms and the environment.
CONTENT
The boiling point of water is the temperature at which its vapor
pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, causing
it to transition from a liquid to a gas. Water has a relatively high
boiling point (100°C or 212°F at sea level) due to the hydrogen
bonds that must be broken for molecules to escape into the gas
phase. This high boiling point is critical for maintaining liquid
water on Earth’s surface, supporting life, and influencing climate
and weather patterns.
SALFORD & CO.
SALFORD & CO.
